Star Ponies

After the effect of the revelation began to sink in they just stood there not sure what to say.

Applejack broke the silence “how?”

Twilight looked at the screen and said “based on these readings tri-bidium was injected into the stellar core disrupting the balance of fusion vs gravity and gravity won.

Applejack said “ah don’t understand.”

Twilight said “a star is always in constant balance between either flying apart from the energy it produces or being crushed by gravity. Offset one of these parameters and the star will either explode or collapse in on itself. The tri-bidium disrupted the energy production causing gravity to compress the core. This in turn caused the core to shrink to the point of becoming so dense it became a singularity and imploded. The implosion created a shockwave that destroyed the 7 inner most planets and devastated Syreen. Whoever did this knew that this knew exactly what they were doing.”

Thinking for a moment she said “computer display long range detection logs for Syreenian system date 2355-2-3.”

An image of the Syreenian star appeared it looked normal then it suddenly dimmed shrank in size and exploded in a brilliant flash soon after a neutron star formed.

Fluttershy said “who would want to do something like that?”

Rainbow said “the Griffons remember what Shining Armor said.”

Rarity said “I doubt that this is beyond their technology besides they are more interested in conquest than chaos.”

Pinkie looked around and asked “then who?”

Twilight said “I don’t know contact Admiral Celestia.”

Applejack pressed a few buttons and the screen came to life and Celestia was on the screen.

Twilight said “greetings Admiral.”

Celestia smiled and said “greetings Capitan and crew.”

Twilight said “we have news we analyzed the planet Syreen and what we found is bad. Someone injected tri-bidium into the stars core causing a singularity implosion. We detected dubninium-262 and radon on the planet’s surface.”

Celestia’s face went limp for a moment and sighed “this is not good. I will speak with Luna and Cadence about this in the meantime I want you to speak with the Griffins. Maybe they can help I am not sure they will be entirely forth coming but do what you can Celestia out.” The screen went blank.

Twilight said “contact the Griffon Empire let’s hope they are willing to talk.”

The message went out much to their surprise a message came through moments later.

Applejack said “Griffin supreme chancellor standing by”

Rainbow said “wow that was fast.”

Twilight said “on viewer.”

A Griffon appeared on the screen.

It was one Rainbow knew from a long time ago she said “I knew this Griffon once I should talk to her I’ll explain later.”

Twilight nodded. Rainbow walked towards the screen said “hello Gilda it’s been a long time.”

Gilda nodded “too long Dash.”

Rainbow said we need your help someone destroyed the Syreenian star and freed Discord.”

Gilda said “what do you want from me and what’s in it for the empire?”

Rainbow said “just information we are trying to figure out who is responsible also once he regains his strength he will plunge the galaxy possibly the universe into total chaos. Then just for kicks and giggles he will make Voltor the chaos capital.

Gilda thought for a moment then said “you make a good point so what do you want from us?”

Rainbow said “I was hoping you could help do you know who has the technology to build a a singularity implosion device?”

Gilda arched an eyebrow then replied “possibly I will send a ship to your location to analyze your findings that is unless you don’t want to share.”

Rainbow smiled with a wide grin and said with a slightly cynical overtone. “No we wouldn’t dream of hiding such valuable information.”

Gilda smiled and said in an equally cynical tone. “Good we would not want anything to be misconstrued now would we? I will send a ship it will arrive soon.”

Rainbow nodded as the screen went blank.

Twilight said “you knew that Griffon?”

Rainbow replied “yes I was only a filly at the time before relations with the Griffins became strained we were friends and kind of still are. After relations fell apart she left for her home world and became supreme chancellor. She asked me to come with her she promised me my own fleet. But when I told her I was joining the Equestrian Confederation she was not happy but respected my decision” she sighed and said “if only things could have been different.”

Just then they received a message from the Canterlot Shining Armor said “sorry I have to leave. Admiral Luna has given me new orders I am to report to the Mararian system see you soon sis.”

Twilight said “see you soon” the screen went blank the ship powered up and disappeared in a streak.

As Twilight said “I am going to study the Syreenian readout further if any pony needs me I will be in the spare room.”

Several hours later a Griffon battle cruiser came to their location Fluttershy went to the Capitan’s spare room and pressed the button on the side of the door.

Twilight said “come in.”

Fluttershy poked her head in first then entered looking around she said “u-mm Capitan the Griffin battle cruiser is here.”

Twilight said “thank you I’m on my way.”

As the 2 exited the room Fluttershy went to her station Rainbow said “are we in visual range?” Fluttershy nodded “we are” Rainbow said “ok on screen.” The screen came to life and a ship could be seen coming closer. It was large it resembled a giant Griffin with its wings arched upwards its claws looked ready to attack. If it were real it would pounce on its prey an eerie silence fell over the bridge.

Rainbow asked “who’s going to talk first us or them?”

Twilight looked over and said with a slight smile “we are, open a channel.”

Applejack pressed a button and the commander of the ship came on to the screen a light blue unicorn with a silver mane appeared.

Twilight jumped up and shouted “YOU!”

The commander smiled with a cocky grin and said in a somewhat sarcastic manor. “Oh you remember me I’m touched I haven’t forgotten you.”

Rainbow said “oh look every pony it’s the great and traitorous Trixie!”

Apple Bloom said “who?”

Trixie said “the great and powerful commander has come to trade information not insinuations.”

Rainbow muttered in a somewhat annoyed tone “I’d like to insinuate my hoof into her great and powerful flanks.”

Trixie sneered “I heard that! You said the Syreenian star was sabotaged.

Applejack said “yea.”

Trixie said “send Trixie the information you have.”

The information was sent Trixie looked at it then looked up with a look of shock and said “there is only one race that uses this sort of weapon the Vol-Ponika.

When she saw the blank look on every ponies face she said “you’ve heard of the Vol-Ponika haven’t you?” Every pony shook their heads Trixie rolled her eyes the Vol-Ponika are a race of cyber ponies. The last ship that encountered them was less than fortunate out of a crew of 237 only 3 survived. Now if there is nothing else Trixie will take her leave and return to Voltor.

Twilight nodded the screen went blank and the Griffin ship departed.

Apple Bloom said “great and powerful traitor?”

Applejack said “yea about 3 years ago she was at the academy with us but she was arrogant and boastful.”

Rarity said “yes, I remember having classes with her and she tried to upstage the professors. I heard she was suspended for cheating on magic exams. She used magic enhancement instead of using her own natural abilities. She also tried to reprogram the computers to give herself favorable scores. When she was caught she was expelled from the academy she then tried to create a crisis one that put the security of the entire Confederation at risk. “Placing a hoof to her chin tapping it she continued “they never said exactly what she did. I heard she tried to sell the access codes to the Confederation’s defensive grid to the highest bidder. She was found guilty of treason against the Confederation and exiled after that she disappeared.”

Twilight shook her head sadly and walked over the computer console and plugged in a device into the console and said “computer download history of Vol-Ponika to this device.

A teal bar went across the screen then the text read download complete. Once the transfer was complete she levitated the device into a pocket she had on the side of her uniform. After her duty for the day ended she spent some time in 12 upper with her friends. They talked about various things. When she returned to her quarters she took the pad in a purple aura and began reading the history of the Vol-Ponika. The text read information on the Vol-Ponika is limited what is knon is they are a race of cybernetic ponies. They were first encountered by Capitan Thunder Blazer 75 years ago. The Vol-Ponika are known to many races The few who encountered them describe them as a race of cybernetic ponies with weaponry capable of blasting a ship to atoms. However, this cannot be cohobated since few have encountered them and of the few that have encountered them even fewer returned.

Twilight stopped reading and said “computer what is the time?”

The computer replied “the time is 22:45 hours.”

She thought it’s too late to send a transmission but should something this important be sent over open space? She decided to go to sleep and tackle the issue with a fresh perspective the next morning after she awoke she was making her way to the bridge as she approached the lift as the doors opened.

Suddenly a voice shouted “HOLD THAT LIFT!” Turning around she saw Pinkie running up to the lift.

Twilight held the doors open and Pinkie entered Twilight said “bridge.”

One they were on the bridge the rest of the crew was there Twilight said “senior staff meet me in the lounge Apple Bloom you have the bridge.”

Once in the lounge Twilight told them about the Vol-Ponika and the information she found about them. Rainbow asked “what did Admiral Celestia say about them?”

Twilight replied “I haven’t spoken to her yet I would ask you what do you know or have heard about them?”

Before any pony could reply Apple Bloom’s voice came through the communication channel “bridge to Capitan Twilight.”

Slightly confused she replied “Twilight here what is it?” Apple Bloom said “sorry to disturb ya but we are receiving a distress signal from a Griffin battle cruiser they say they are under attack.”

Twilight said “on my way.”

The crew went to the bridge and every pony took their stations.

Rainbow said “on viewer.”

A Griffin appeared on the screen sparks and smoke was seen everywhere.

The Griffin said “to any ship who is receiving this message we are under attack by the Vol-Ponika our shields are failing and require immediate assistance.”

Twilight said “Fluttershy trace that signal ensign set course for the source.” Fluttershy said “I have the source” Apple Bloom said “course set” Twilight said “maximum velocity.”

The ship speed off in the direction of the signal once they arrived they saw 4 small ships were attacking the Griffin cruiser they were very strange looking. They were small only large enough for a single pilot. They were V shaped with a cockpit in the middle a pony clad in steel armor could be seen. As the Wonderbolt entered firing range they began to shoot the attacking ships damaging or destroying 2 of the attacking ships.

Applejack said “Capitan were receiving a message.”

Twilight asked “from the Griffins?”

Applejack said “no.”

Twilight said “on viewer” the screen lite up and they were stunned by what they saw staring at them with a cold evil stare was an alicorn! It had a black coat and wore a blue helmet with a bluish starry flowing mane on the chest was a blue crest with a moon on it.

Twilight said “Admiral Luna what are you doing here? Why are you and these ponies attacking the Griffins?

The alicorn only looked annoyed and said “this is not your affair pony leave now or else.”

Twilight asked Luna why are you doing this what is going on?”

The alicorn screamed “EITHER YOU LEAVE OR I WILL DESTROY YOU!”

The screen went blank Twilight looked at the crew somewhat confused suddenly a message came through it was from the Griffin ship.

“Systems damaged engine core going critical."

Rainbow said “Zecora transport the Griffins over here.”

The ship exploded then the attacking ships departed.

Twilight contacted security “Spike we have some Griffins coming on board see to it they have quarters and escort the leader to the bridge I’ll explain later.”

Spike said “understood.”

He went to the transportation room and there were 3 Griffins in the room. They seemed to be in good shape one of them had some singed feathers and skin.

Spike looked at Sweetie Belle and said “take the injured one to medical bay.” Then turned to the remaining Griffins and asked “which one of you is the Cmdr.?”

One of them raised a paw Spike said “Scootaloo take our guest to quarters Cmdr. I have orders to escort you to the bridge and speak with the Capitan.

The Griffin nodded he seemed to be shaken up about something as they entered bridge they went into the lounge.

Twilight said “Rainbow Dash join me in the lounge Fluttershy you have the bridge.

Once inside they sat down Twilight spoke “I am Capitan Twilight Sparkle.”

The Griffin said “I am Cmdr. Kamar are we your prisoners?”

Twilight said “no we responded to your distress call you were being attacked who attacked you?”

Kamar had a scared look and said “we were suspected of double crossing her.”

Rainbow asked “her who?”

Kamar looked around nervously then said Koszmar Meness” she was unhappy with a shipment it was not to her exact specifications, she accused us of not complying with the terms of the agreement.

Rainbow asked “what agreement?”

Kamar said “we entered an agreement with Koszmar Meness not to long ago we were doing a secret military operation it was so secret even the chancellor did not know about it. It was an exchange of supplies for technology in return we would receive immunity from the coming chaos. Once a Griffin makes a deal it must be completed at all costs failure is not an option” chucking slightly he said “I think the loss of a ship if a pretty big failure now we cannot return to Voltor.”

Twilight just smiled pressing a button on the table she said “Twilight to Spike.”

A voice replied “Spike here.”

Twilight said “come to the lounge.”

When Spike entered she said with a smile “show our guest some quarters.”

As Spike left with Kamar after the doors closed Twilight turned to Rainbow and asked “do you know what he was talking about?”

Rainbow shook her head “I never heard of anyone named Koszmar Meness.”

Twilight said “I will speak with Admiral Celestia.”

Rainbow saluted and left. Twilight contacted Admiral Celestia when she appeared on the screen. She smiled and said “it is good to see you again Capitan Twilight what did you find?”

Twilight seemed a bit unsure but asked “I am not sure if this should be discussed over open communications.”

Celestia arched an eyebrow then said “very well switch to encrypted frequency.”

Each one pressed a button which scrambled the signal then Celestia said “ok now what is so important it could not be mentioned over standard communications channels?”

Twilight said “we discovered the Syreenian star was deliberately destroyed and we found traces of dubninium-262 and radon. We shared the information with a Griffon commander and they said it was the work of the Vol-Ponika. Today a Griffin ship was attacked and destroyed by them. There were 3 survivors the commander said they answered to some pony named Koszmar Meness and they are probably going to request asylum. We were threatened by an alicorn with a black coat and a blue helmet with a bluish starry flowing mane, on the chest was a blue crest with a moon on it I thought it was Admiral Luna.”

Celestia had a stunned look on her face all she could say was “oh crap.”

Twilight was a little confused Celestia just smiled warmly. “The alicorn you encountered was not Luna she came to Confederation headquarters 2 days ago.” She sighed “you and your friends come to Earth and meet me at Confederation headquarters I will tell you all the details.”

Twilight was a little confused then nodded and the screen went blank still unsure she left the lounge and when she was on the bridge.

Twilight said “Apple Bloom set course for Earth velocity 5.2.”

After pressing a few buttons she said “course and speed set.”

Twilight said “initiate” turning to her crew she said “we are to go to Earth and meet with Admiral Celestia at Confederation headquarters.”

The ships wings extended and folded back 45ᴼ and accelerated they arrived on Earth Twilight gave the non-senior members temporary leave. As the rest went to Confederation headquarters as they entered the building they were taken back by how massive it was. Rarity was impressed by the décor and the opulent crystal chandeliers that hung from the ceilings with glowing crystals inside them. The walls had the same glowing crystals along the top near the celling one crystal every 1.5 meters she thought to herself I must get some of those for myself sometime.

As they walked along the corridor they soon came to a set of large double doors guarded by 2 large unicorn stallions. When they came to them one of then spoke “the admirals are expecting you” then opened the doors in a white aura.

As they entered the room the doors closed behind them they saw admiral’s Celestia, Luna and Cadence. Celestia sat in the middle Luna was on the right and Cadence was on the left Celestia smiled and said “welcome please sit down.”

She levitated several cushions for the 6 to sit on “I’m sure you have questions” they all nodded. Celestia hung her head looked over at Luna and said with a sad soft overtone “the alicorn you encountered was Luna sort of.”

The group gasped and at at the same time said “WHAT?!”

Luna said “allow me to elaborate it was me but it was not me. It all began 100 years ago Equestria was recovering from the great Gorgon war. I was on a routine flyover when I saw some pony that seemed to be in distress so I landed to render assistance when I felt like something poked me. I fell to the ground and was unable to move but I could still look around and could hear. I heard a voice I think it was a stallion telling his companion to act quickly before the sedative wore off. I saw what looked like a fluid extraction device float past I’m sure they took blood samples because I could hear them saying they needed at least 2 pints. After they were finished the sedative was beginning to wear off and I could move my head slightly. I could see a unicorn and an earth pony. The unicorn levitated a small device pressed a button and a portal opened I saw what looked like shimmering vortex appear in front of them. They entered and disappeared as if they teleported away. If it was magic it was unlike any known to me. As the sedative wore off I could feel a slight pain in my flank where they poked me. I could not understand what they wanted with my blood. I told Celestia about it we searched and found nothing. Then 50 years later there were reports of me leading a group of cyber-ponies and attacking off world settlements. At the time of the attack I was negotiating a treaty between the Zygonians and the Hormoarians. I spoke with a geneticist who said the only reason behind the blood samples would be to create a clone. We wondered who would want to clone me then a few days later we got a distress call from the planet Zangar. They were being attacked by cyber-ponies lead by a a creature with the head of a pony deer antlers a lion and eagle paw a goat and dragon leg bat wings and a snake tail. They said the creature was riding a black alicorn with blue armor. Unsure of what we were up against we brought along the gems of harmony. The 6 mystical artifacts you all carry now honesty, kindness, laughter, generosity, loyalty and magic. We went to the planet Zangar once on the surface everything looked strange. Rain fell upwards trees floated upside down some were even planted upside down. Pies flew around in all directions we watched as a pair of dog ears and a collar floated by without a dog. But barking sounds could be heard and it was being chased by a leash. Then Discord appeared in a flash of magic he was riding an alicorn that looked almost exactly like me. The alicorn had darker coat and blue helmet with a blue crescent moon her chest plate.

Discord laughed and said “say hello to your worst nightmare meet my pet Nightmare Moon a fantastic specimen don’t you agree? I hired some ponies to steal your blood so I could make a clone of you and together we created an army of cyber ponies.

Celestia asked “why are you telling us this?”

Discord replied “if only to see the looks on your faces it’s totally worth it from now on chaos will rule the universe!”

Luna paused and just shook her head.

Twilight said “a clone?”

Pinkie giggled and said “send in the clones.”

Every pony just looked at her funny and she just said softly “never mind.”

Luna continued with her tale “we used those 6 gems we brought with us I took laughter, honesty and loyalty. I hit my doppelganger causing Discord to fall off. Celestia used generosity, kindness and magic to stun him I did the same for Nightmare Moon once they were separated we combined our powers and encased them both in crystal.

Before being completely encased in crystal Discord said “this isn’t over I will be back.”

We placed Discord on the planet Syreen and Nightmare Moon on the planet Krisin it was hoped that they would remain sealed away forever alas this would not be. Several months ago we received a report that a 5 km asteroid crashed into Krisin. A science team was sent to assess the damage to the biosphere. The damage was extensive 77% of the life forms were wiped out I asked them to check on a site found on the eastern continent all that were found were crystal fragments the crystals were not indigenous to the planet. An analysis was done on them to see if they were formed from the impact or an impact related event. The fragments were analyzed and were found to me magically woven. There was no doubt this was from Nightmare Moons crystal prison it was determined the impact of the asteroid created a shockwave so intense, it traveled around the planet and shattered the crystal casing freeing Nightmare Moon. We do not know how she got off the planet her time in the crystal left her weak. She just recently was able to raise an army and build a singularity weapon and free Discord. The gems of harmony now known as the achievements of harmony are the only things that can stop them. The Wonderbolt is the only ship to incorporate them into its design we had hoped to duplicate the powers of the gems. Imagine a fleet of such ships with the ability to neutralize any threat in the galaxy. But it seems the release of Discord and Nightmare Moon has put a damper on that plan. That is why you are here so you know what you are up against and how to stop them. If they are not stopped they will spread chaos across the galaxy and then the universe.” Every pony just sat there not sure what to say then Luna asked “any questions?”

No pony said anything Cadence said “I have arranged suites for each of you we ask that you all remain here at Confederation headquarters until the Griffons have been debriefed.”

At the same time across the galaxy on the planet Pertinax Nightmare Moon enters a building she walked down a corridor and soon came to a large room. In the center of the room lay a sleeping Draqconicus. The sound of hoof steps on the stone floor woke him from his slumber. As Nightmare Moon entered the room Discord looked up weakly and groaned as he slowly sat up.

Nightmare said “are you awake my lord? Discord nodded he was still groggy as she continued “I believe the Griffins are becoming a liability. When I ordered a delivery of iridium-126 they delivered yttrium-426 I fired on their ship to teach then a lesson. I was interrupted by some ponies attacked my minions causing them to misfire and destroy their ship.”

Discord sat up and groaned “curse that crystal prison for draining my strength.” Looking at Nightmare Moon he said “it does not matter find another race willing to assist. Contact the Changeling Empire I’m sure they would like to be part of our glorious future.”

Nightmare Moon bowed “at once my lord” Discord lay back down as Nightmare Moon left she went to a console and pressed a button and waited. Then a rather unusual creature appeared on the screen. It was large it had a black coat, teal hair and green eyes the most unusual feature was its large crooked horn.

Nightmare Moon smiled and said “greetings Queen Chrysalis I have a proposition for you and your empire.”

Chrysalis said “who are you how did you find this frequency? Wait you look familiar do I know you?”

Nightmare Moon smiled and said “I am known to you as Kosmaras Zana."

Chrysalis said “you are not Kosmaras Zana.”

Nightmare Moon’s horn began to glow and Chrysalis’s console and screen began to glow and pulse with a bluish aura. A blue hand reached out through the screen grabbing the startled queen by the horn.

Nightmare Moon said with an evil smile “you were saying?”

Chrysalis said “o-of course I could be wrong.”

Nightmare Moon smiled and the glow faded and the hand retreated into the screen.

Chrysalis asked “what do you want?”

Nightmare Moon said “an exchange I need supplies you will receive technology also your world will be spared from the coming storm of chaos.”

Chrysalis asked “what supplies do you need?”

Nightmare Moon smiled wickedly and said “just some elements and maybe medical supplies.”

Chrysalis said “if I refuse?”

Nightmare just smiled and her horn glowed and the screen showed the Changeling home in smoldering ruin. There were changelings running all over some were dancing in circles both on the ground and in the air. The sun rose and set very rapidly as the moon would dance across the sky before falling to the horizon and the sun would rise again. Discord appeared in the sky in a semitransparent state looked around at the chaos as he laughed manically raised his hands and said “oh how I love chaos it’s so beautiful.”

Chrysalis lowered her head sighed and said “very well we have a deal.”

Nightmare Moon said “wise choice I will send a Vol-Ponika ship to your planet” the screen went blank.

Several hours later outside Chrysalis’s palace a star shaped craft approached Chrysalis stepped outside and watched as the ship went horizontal. Then 4 legs extended and the craft landed. Then a ramp descended from the underside of the ship and down the ramp stepped a Vol-Ponika. It was slightly taller than an average pony and was clad in deep blue armor as it descended down the ramp and looked around Chrysalis could see its eyes but there were none only 2 round lenses that almost seemed too glow a dull red.

Then it spoke its voice sounded almost robotic “greetings Queen Chrysalis I am Mandamar of the Vol-Ponika.”

Chrysalis said “welcome to Zaqar what do you require?”

Mandamar said “we require 4 metric tons of xynorium crystals that is all for now.”

Chrysalis said “that will take several hours to load” Madnamar replied “time is not important.”

Several hours later the last of the cargo was loaded Mandamar stepped on the ships ramp. Then turned to Chrysalis and said “Kosmaras Zana will contact you when we need more supplies. In the meantime here is your payment.” Walking up to Chrysalis a small compartment opened on the chest plate and a tablet came out. “Those are schematics for an engine capable of exceeding velocity 12.”

Chrysalis took the tablet in a green aura Mandamar turned and walked up the ramp and then it closed and the ship lifted up and the legs retraced and it flew up and disappeared into the green sky. Chrysalis held the tablet and looked at it and thought faster than velocity 12 is that possible?